Hydraulic Modeling

Visualization of modeled water flow in an example CHaMP site.

Example of modeled depth and velocity compared to measured depth and velocity. DEM-measured depth is derived from the DEM survey. Measured depth and velocity are direct measurements at transect locations. Transect locations are shown in inset map.

Project Summary

South Fork Research has developed a 2.5D Delft Hydraulic Model that uses topographic and substrate data collected as part of a region-wide monitoring program. Results are reviewed to ensure reasonable solutions, and model outputs are used in fish-habitat models.

Hydraulic models area a key linkage being used in CHaMP to relate stream hydraulics to juvenile salmonid population dynamics. The approach we have developed aims to provide hydraulic models capable of supporting our research, in terms of precision accuracy, and in the ability to generate unique models at multiple flow conditions for each site.

We are currently expanding the model to work with multiple, non-surveyed flows and to accomodate restoration structures.